Pearls are unique among gemstones in that they are natural, organic products of living creatures. Naturally they have their own set of grading standards. FANGHUA applies the most commonly used and internationally recognized ranking system: A, A+, AA, AA+, and AAA to grade the peals. On this scale, AAA is gem-quality—you should expect a flawless, brilliant pearl with high luster, high shine, and a perfectly unblemished surface. Six factors determine the quality, value, and aesthetic appeal of pearls: nacre, luster, surface, shape, color, and size.

Nacre
Nacre is the coating that the oyster forms around the nucleus of the pearl. Nacre thickness determines the longevity of the pearl and nacre quality determines how light reflects through the layers of the pearl. Nacre’s structure is composed of thousands of layers of thin calcium carbonate crystals. This distinctive nacre structure influences the color, luster, durability and elasticity of the pearl.

Luster
Luster is a combination of surface brilliance and a deep glow. The luster of good quality pearls should be bright. You should be able to see your reflection clearly on the surface of a pearl. This probably best expresses a pearl’s beauty. It indicates the structural beauty of the nacre. We grade pearl luster in three levels: dull, fine, and exceptional.

Surface
All disturbances of a pearl’s surface smoothness negatively affect its appearance. They are called blemishes and imperfections (also spots or flaws). The quality of the pearl is greatly affected by blemishes. Pearls with higher luster conceal blemishes better.

Shape
There are three pearl shapes including symmetrical, spherical, and baroque. Spherical pearls are the rarest and most desirable. Symmetrical pearls include “teardrop” or “pear-shaped” pearls and are desirable. Baroque pearls are irregularly shaped and often the least expensive. We grade pearl shape into four levels: Semi-baroque and Baroque, Off-round, Slightly off-round, and Round.

Size
Pearls are measured by their diameter in millimeters. Tiny seed pearls can be smaller than 1 millimeter, while Southsea pearls as large as 20 millimeters have been found. If all other factors (nacre, luster, surface, shape and color) are equal, the size of a pearl will determine its value. Only a 1 mm increase in pearl size significantly affects a pearl’s desirability and substantially increases its value.
Color
Pearls come in a variety of colors and in every shade from white to black. Pearl color is a combination body color and overtone. Body color is the predominant basic color of the pearl. Body colors include white, light pink or pink, light cream and dark cream, and yellow or golden. Overtone is created by one or two colors that overlie the body color. Within each color category, there are a number of common overtones, or subtle variations in the surface iridescence. Choosing a preferred overtone is a matter of taste.

 

 

High quality pearl jewelry enhances a woman’s palette of styles. Pearls are fashionable, feminine, fresh, tasteful, luxurious, graceful, poised, charming, and lovely. Pearls have always made a classic, understated fashion statement. They are elegant and versatile, and go with every outfit, everywhere.

Pearls are very alluring and embody the qualities of natural elegance and natural beauty. There are more varieties of pearls available today than ever before. “Cultured pearls” like fine diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are one of the world’s most desired precious gems.

Previous:[Pearl Knowledge]What is the color of pearl?